FACES Luton: Recent Episodes
Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation
We’re a charity based in Luton, working to build resilience within faith communities against child sexual exploitation and other forms of harm. As a Christian and Muslim partnership, dialogue and learning from shared experiences as well as different perspectives is at the heart of what we do. On our channel we talk about: faith and our experiences and responsibilities as people of faith; safeguarding including challenges and best practice with an emphasis on accounting for difference and overcoming bias; identity and how this interacts with experiences of harm and responses to abuse; young people, community and more.
PART 2 with Cricket East and Wicketz Luton
Nigel meets over 2 podcasts with Amran Malik and Nauman Javaid and a group for their young coaches to discuss how the sport of cricket is being used to bring protection to young people. In this podcast we discuss how sport can be a powerful tool in helping young people overcome difficulties that they face. For more information of both Cricket East and Wicketz and the hope they give into young lives can be found here:
http://www.cricketeast.co.uk/
https://www.lordstaverners.org/programme-information/luton-wicketz/
Nigel meets over 2 podcasts with Amran Malik and Nauman Javaid to discuss how the sport of cricket is being used to bring protection to young people. In this podcast we discuss how sport can be a powerful tool in helping young people overcome difficulties that they face. For more information of both Cricket East and Wicketz and the hope they give into young lives can be found here:
http://www.cricketeast.co.uk/
https://www.lordstaverners.org/programme-information/luton-wicketz/
Nigel and Maria discuss the work she heads up within Noah Enterprise with people seeking asylum and refugees. She discusses the charity's wholistic approach to working with people which cares for the whole person. You can find out more about the work of Noah Enterprise from their website: https://noahenterprise.org/
Nigel discusses the work of Squared in Luton with Pauline and Nahida who are part of their work with people seeking asylum and refugees. They discuss how people need more than just bricks and how they work to see people empowered and gaining skills to to live their best life. You can find out more about the work of Squared here: https://www.squared.org.uk
Nigel (Faces) and Melissa (Faces and The Courtney Foundation) discuss with Peter and Linda the work taking place at Hightown Baptist Church with People seeking asylum and refugees. They discuss the importance of collaboration and how working together can be very beneficial. You can find out more about Hightown Baptist and their work here: http://hightownbaptistchurch.org.uk/ and more about The Courtney Foundation here: https://thecourtneyfoundation.org/
Melissa and Nigel hear about the support Discover Islam provide to local refugees and people claiming asylum. Abderrahmane Mezdidioua, Translator and Coordinator, explains that better understanding of the asylum systems and improved housing conditions are common types of help that people ask for. He also reminds us about the lasting friendships being made and that we shouldn't view refugees/people claiming asylum as separate from our community - they are part of our community just like everyone else.
Find out more about Discover Islam at: https://www.discover-islam.org.uk/
For clear and translated details on asylum processes visit: https://righttoremain.org.uk/
Melissa and Nigel meet with Revd David Kesterton (Area Dean of Luton) to hear about All Saints and St Peters Church and their initiative to help people who are seeking asylum. This includes an art display in Luton Central Library. You can find out more about how to help by contacting David on vicar@allsaintpeter.org.uk or their website www.allsaintpeter.org.uk
Melissa and Nigel discuss our Summer Conference- Safeguarding Together and some of the people who will be attending.
It's been several years since we last hosted a FACES conference (pre-pandemic) and we're looking forward to the discussions this year!
We'll be introducing new training and research opportunities, listening to local school leaders and representatives about the context of safeguarding in Luton and offering a space for discussion and questions focusing on young people's safety and wellbeing. You can find out more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faces-summer-conference-2023-safeguarding-together-tickets-652897543127
Hope to see you there!
Sharn Basra is due to retire after 30 years of policing at a high level in Bedfordshire Police. As well as his role on staff with FACES, Nigel volunteers as Chair of an Independent Advisory Group which gives community advice to the Police. Sharn and Nigel discuss the Police Race Action Plan, why Police Culture has taken so long to change and how different cultures can help better policing. They delve into difficult areas like Stop and Search, Policing diverse urban areas and how to keep the public safe and the future of policing.
Peter, Lucie, Tony, Melissa and Nigel discuss their thoughts around a current ongoing investigation into a key Christian Leader Mike Pilavachi. They discuss the investigation and also what can be learned by organisations and churches from what is emerging. They discuss accountability, charisma, good practice and how difficult it may have been for people to to come forward. As a Muslim and Christian Charity they also discuss lessons that can be learned wider than one religion. Discussions also look at how when issues arise like this it is important for survivors voices to be heard rather than the focus being the protecting the organisation. This is an ongoing investigation and so although there are no conclusions made it is important to discuss these complex and painful issues rather than stay silent. Some of our discussion touches on articles and useful websites you can find these below:
https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-news-releases/statement-national-safeguarding-team-and-diocese-st-albans
https://www.soulsurvivorwatford.co.uk/latestupdates
https://www.youthscape.co.uk/services/youth-work-news/as-a-youth-leader-how-do-i-respond-to-the-investigation-into-mike-pilavachi
https://mindandsoulfoundation.org/Articles/662634/Mind_and_Soul/Articles/When_your_faith_in_the_church_or_its_leaders_is.aspx
If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by this news and want to talk to someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056.
Nigel and Melissa discuss the UK Illegal Migrant Bill as it moves from the House of Commons to the House of Lords. The Bill seeks to change how people seeking asylum are processed and aims to prevent people arriving in the Uk through non sanctioned routes by firm action. There is much debate around the bill and what it could do to vulnerable people and its arresting of unaccompanied minors. The Bill was opposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and many other religious organisations. You can watch the discussion in the Lords here: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/4fb77d13-3188-4d77-8b91-fd57af95afea
or read the full bill in its present form here: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3429
the Book referring to victorian classification is https://www.amazon.co.uk/Myth-Undeserving-Poor-Christian-Response/dp/1781488754
Nigel, Melissa and Peter discuss The Bloom Review- entitled "Does government ‘do God?’ " and also briefly look at the Coronation and the offer for public to declare allegiance to King Charles.
You can find the full 159 page report here : https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1152684/The_Bloom_Review.pdf
and the podcast with interview with Tim Farron and the author of the report, Colin Bloom here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/colin-bloom-does-current-government-do-god/id1548503241?i=1000611449132
(Difficult wifi signal affected the recording but not significantly)
Nigel briefly describes the work in the background towards our up coming conferences and our hopes for what they can achieve. He refers to our research and also a few of the courses we run to help schools, young people and organisations. We would like a good spread of people at our conferences parents, teachers, faith leaders and other professionals. If you would like to attend a conference or know someone who may be interested. Please do get in touch via email to admin@faces.org.uk
You can find our research here: https://faces.org.uk/research/
You can also find details of our courses here: https://faces.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FACES-Training-Courses-and-Workshops-2022_compressed.pdf
Nigel and Peter both discuss Home Secretary Suella Baverman's Comments in the press over the last couple of weeks. FACES has put out a statement on this and the statistics from the Home Office that appear to contradict the racial accusations she makes. Peter and Nigel discuss some of the implications of this. They also reference a podcast where Baroness Warsi powerfully responds to these accusations you can read about these statements here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65261172
You can see our statement by Dr Lucie Moore on the Home Secretary's comments here: https://faces.org.uk/2023/04/03/statement-on-grooming-gang-comments-made-by-the-home-secretary/
Nigel, Melissa and Courtney discuss the importance of safeguarding training for volunteers working with refugees. Their discussions include a course that Faces(Luton) are building in order to help organisations and groups better help refugees. The course trials at the end of this month and should be available more widely soon. The course benefits from a good knowledge of working with refugees as well as an understanding of the importance of safeguarding. For more information on the course and how it may help your organisation please contact us via our website wwwhttps://faces.org.uk/contact/
To hear our previous podcasts on refugees you can access them via our podcast channel Faces(Luton) on your usual Podcast app. don't forget to subscribe!
Nigel meets up with Bedfordshire Police's Chief Constable Trevor Rosenhurst to discuss the Casey Report. The Casey Report pulls no punches as it looks at institutional racism, misogyny and homophobia in London's Police force and their failings in the community.
Nigel and Trevor look at the report's implications for policing. They look at how Bedfordshire Police are working to improving community links, overcome internal cultural problems and make communities safer as they tackle crime in the area.
Trevor lives in Bedfordshire and so is invested in the area being good for his family. He has 29 years of police experience and is keen on cultural change in policing. Trevor and his executive team use input from diverse communities in Bedfordshire (including the IAG) to help him tackle potential blind spots in their approach to change.
Nigel (Staff member of FACES) has volunteered as one member of the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) to Bedfordshire Police. He asks his questions based on the many situations he and those in his team have been invited to input into by Bedfordshire Police over the years.
Nigel and Sujel Miah discuss community initiatives around the vibrant and very diverse town of Luton. They discuss current issues of local poverty, community generosity and the focus that faith brings. Sujel is a trustee of Faces (Luton) a keen distance runner and has wide involvement in community activities alongside many charities.
Peter, Lucie and Nigel discuss the sentencing of Eleanor Williams a 22 year old jailed for eight and a half years for 9 counts of lying about being raped and trafficked by an Asian grooming gang as well as making false rape claims against a series of other men too. They discuss the many things we can learn from this including the way the narratives and assumptions around Rotherham may have been used to build public support for this false narrative. You can find out more from the following articles:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/14/eleanor-williams-jailed-lying-rapes-trafficking?
https://news.sky.com/story/sexual-abuse-victims-say-eleanor-williams-case-deters-them-from-coming-forward-12836303
Full sentencing from Sky News can be found here (Warning article contains some Graphic Material) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EWLJI6u9iA
People of different Faiths, Katie Forbes and Humza Yousaf are amongst those running for the leadership of the Scottish National Party. Many articles in the press are asking the question, "Can a person of faith lead at a high level in today's society?". Nigel and Melissa discuss this question with Tony Thompson (Hope Church Luton/Faces) and Ruth Robb (Azelea/Faces).For further information on this subject please check out the following articles: http://www.hopechurch.co.uk/a-challenge-to-a-tolerant-society/https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2023/02/27/should-religious-people-be-allowed-to-hold-top-political-jobshttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/opposing-same-sex-marriage-deters-voters-and-poses-questions-for-kate-forbes-0923fmljf
Nigel and Melissa meet with Peter to discuss the origins and principles of the Peace and Reconciliation work in Luton. Peter takes us around the world and shares personally about how he discovered his own purpose in bringing peace to others. One of the successes of this work is Faces(Luton) itself- Peter was one of our founders. You can find out more at https://www.stmarysluton.org/peace-and-reconciliation
Nigel and Melissa meet with Courtney who works with refugees locally. Courtney helps explain the process and also bring real life examples of of how local contact can help protect people from exploitation. They all discuss the local impact of a hotel shutting its usual functions to house refugees and the responses from the community. https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/people/old-palace-lodge-dunstable-town-council-agrees-to-welcome-all-new-residents-4016864 A few useful links for those wanting to know more: https://righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/ , https://care4calais.org/ , https://thecourtneyfoundation.org/ or contact us at FACES admin@faces.org.uk
Nigel discusses Melissa about her work with the Courtney Foundation which provides help to people in need in Luton. The discussion includes caring for peoples mental and emotional health as well as food and clothing. The approach taken helps protect families from exploitation by providing for their needs. Helping families function well helps protect them from harm. you can find out more about the Courtney Foundation from. their website: https://thecourtneyfoundation.org
Zaffar Iqbal meets with Nigel Taylor to discuss Inspire Fm and its 25 year history. They discuss how it began, its ability to help community have a voice and some of the positive messages it has brought especially in difficult times. Discussion also turns to faith and how radio helps to bring together community and its many messages allow community to express itself into health, diversity, understanding, information and celebration. Inspire FM and Zaffar are partners with FACES in the work it delivers. You can find out more about INSPIRE FM and listen at https://www.inspirefm.org/
Looking at some of the organisations and the work they do in the community. Nigel and Melissa meet with Tony Thompson to discuss his work in Hope Church Luton. Hope Church was founded when Tony who was born and bred in Luton returned to the town to begin a 'church for people who don't go to church'. It is a church which serves the town of Luton well and is a very active place during the week for people from many different communities. You can find out more from their website www.hopechurch.co.uk
Nigel, Melissa and Rehana from FACES(Luton) discuss three news articles:
- Schools look at how to tackle influential misogynistic views from Andrew Tate https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-64234568
- A BBC podcast on Shamima Begum https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/shamima-begum-podcast-bbc-sounds
- The sad death of a Rhianan Rudd groomed by neo-Nazi idelology https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0dss7pb/the-big-cases-groomed-radicalised-gone
The discussion not only looks at the language used in these articles, the sad stories in each and discrepancies in how victims are treated, but goes on to look at the elements of grooming and its impact on individuals.
If you think you may be affected by past or present grooming we would encourage you to seek help. If you are under 18 in the UK you can contact https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/
Nigel, Melissa and Peter discuss a current news items regarding the Romanian arrest of Andrew Tate. Andrew Tate is a very controversial influencer who has been involved in the sex industry in the past. He is well know by many young people online and runs a training facility as well as an online course which he aims to 'help' men who feel disempowered. He spent time in Luton and with his arrest we felt this is something we needed to discuss. News reports his arrest as "Influencer, his brother and two others held on human trafficking, rape and organised crime charges" (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/30/andrew-tate-detained-in-romania-on-organised-and-charges) with our focus Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation we believe this is an unfolding story we need to follow over the following months.
Nigel and Melissa talk through our podcast highlights of the year 2022 from our top ten most downloaded podcasts and look forward to revisiting some of them in 2023
Nigel and Melissa discuss the recent Royal visit by King Charles III to Luton. Where he met with many community organisations While in Luton he visited the Town hall, Local Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple and saw the progress on the DART cable system at Luton Airport. Nigel and Melissa discuss the faith aspects of his visit and what this celebrates in the town.
Founding Members of FACES Luton discuss together the beginnings of the organisation, its focus and also the deep friendships that underpin its success in grasping difficult subjects. The episode includes examples of how people agree to disagree on some issues yet come together to tackle CSE in our communities. (This episode was originally recorded for Infer-faith week 2019)
You can find out more about Faces from our website https://faces.org.uk/
Peter, Rehana, Tony, Melissa and Nigel discuss the UK 2021 Census results and what they show us about Luton. The 2021 census showed that the population of Luton now has a non-white majority with 54.8 per cent of the population being non-white. Luton is found in the fastest growing region of England and is one of four authorities outside of London with the majority of the population being from ethnic minority groups. In this discussion we look at resources being matched to these figures and the disproportion of child poverty in different demographics.
You can find out more on the census at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/culturalidentity/religion/bulletins/religionenglandandwales/census2021 find out more about FACES at www.faces.org.uk
Melissa and Nigel discuss the work of AZALEA (Luton) with RUTH ROB CEO and Co-founder.
AZALEA is a key partner with us at FACES . They are faith based & empower men & women to choose to walk free from being caught up in trafficking. On this episode we discuss CSA, CSE & Human Trafficking. This will be a discussion we return to in the future. You can find out more about AZALEA at https://www.azalea.org.uk/
Tony, Melissa and Nigel discuss recent news regarding refugees and people seeking asylum and the local predicament faced by refugees locally in Luton. They discuss ways that their faiths encourage them to care for local refugees and their humanity while refugees go through lengthy, confusing asylum processes. They discuss the vulnerability of young refugees and challenge the false idea that male refugees seeking asylum are not as vulnerable. www.faces.org.uk
Nigel interviews Rehana, Sufian & Peter on the impact of young people. Rehana & Sufian especially share what it can feel like living, studying & working in a Islamophobic environment & its impact on jobs, career progression, mental health and many other areas. Peter shares what can be done as friends to challenge Islamophobia & its impact on lives. FACES include belief with their duty & focus to protect young people, thereby needing to challenge where systems fail.
Nigel Interviews Sujel, Peter and Tony about their thoughts around inter-faith and multi-faith and which best suits FACES as an organisation. The discussion raises several key point on how organisations can work together whilst strongly holding a diversity of beliefs.
An insightful discussion on the ICCSA Report with Dr Lucie Shuker & Peter Adams with staff members Melissa & Nigel. The report gives a detailed understanding of abusive behaviour & its impact in the UK. You can read the full report https://www.iicsa.org.uk/document/report-independent-inquiry-child-sexual-abuse-october-2022-0 There'll be more episodes to come...
Introducing our staff team Melissa and Nigel who are beginning a weekly podcast aimed at various current issues and topics from different faith perspectives.
A panel discussion with the founders of Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation (FACES) for Inter-faith Week 2021. For more information about FACES please see our website: www.faces.org.uk
Exploring how places of worship are supporting communities during the pandemic, and the importance of understanding how communities are experiencing challenges in different ways throughout this period. With Tony Thompson, Peter Adams, Lucie Shuker, Rehana Faisal and Melissa Llewellyn. for more see our website at https://faces.org.uk/
Tony Thompson one of the founders of FACES (Luton) is interviewed about his thoughts and experiences on how the UK is responding to Refugees. Giving examples from people he has met as well as those trying to make a difference. www.faces.org.uk